Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center

The Met is the kind of school that isn't for everybody. All of the other reviews are true, where you have kids that sit around for years and still get a diploma. We learn through real world applications, which doesn't necessarily prepare us for college level calculus. However, this school does give you the freedom to explore different subjects. Classes are available, as well as tutors and self study guides. This school is what you make of it. I do agree that we need the staff to be more strict when it comes to being rude, loud, and disrespectful. I agree that we should step up our game. This school isn't meant to be for "at risk" students. It's meant to be for motivated students who want to learn. I have thrived only because I decided to do so. It takes work. The truth is, we advertise in a way that makes the "slackers" want to join us. I think we ought to change the way the public SEES the school to make it more rigorous. If the public demands a certain level of rigor, we ought to rise to the occasion and provide it. But hey, that's just my opinion.
—Submitted by a student

As a former "advisor" at this school, I found the ideals and approach interesting. Unfortunately, the facts on the ground do not support the results of this particular school. What really happens here is a lot of kids sitting around doing nothing nearly everyday, for years. Much of the data is basically fake. Nearly everyone does graduate- because there are no verified graduation standards! I remember numerous students who had done pretty much nothing for four years and missed every senior year requirement given a last-last-last chance. Basically, write a couple of pages and call it a "project." Another statistic is the continuing education rate. The school claims over 90% enroll in post-secondary programs, but this includes community college applications, with guaranteed acceptance - and does not reflect whether or not the student actually ever attends. The school will even fill out the application and pay the fee just to create the data! One of the founder's favorite lines is "compared to what?" as a defense against criticism. By this he means that the kids would be dropouts, so anything is better than nothing! This place desperately needs new leadership.
—Submitted by a teacher

A school cannot be a great school unless it has a strong academic component. Unfortunetly the Met doesn't even come close. One of the ways it keeps it graduation transition to college is by clearing its classes by purging failing students and having them redirected to other providence schools. What a shame. This could be a goood alternative school for students at risk if it didn't try to be all things for evryone.

As a student of The Met, I have to say that I am highly disappointed. I was told prior to my enrollment that this school was different and that the kids at this school are accepting and generally non-judgemental, which they knew had been a problem for me in the past. They told me that they had a no tolerance for bullying. Unfortunately, even on my first day, I realized that none of this was true. The kids are rude, disrespectful and entirely ignorant. But the larger problem is that the teachers/ staff members do nothing to reprimand them. Overall, all I can say is that I'm really hoping to be transferred to another school by next year.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter came to the Met as a straight A student. She Graduated with a report card that got her many scholarship offers. When she arrived on her college campus she found that she was so ill prepared! She was unable to do the freshman college calculus or chemistry because she never took a real class in those areas. When she went to her adviser, he stated that according to her Met transcript that she exceeded the standard in those areas. When she explained the "real world approach" He was mortified. Even with a tutor she is failing. That is my opinion that the school failed my child. Shame on them.!!
—Submitted by a parent

The MET is an effective, pragmatic model school. It serves the true needs of the students and actually prepares young Americans for technical jobs in the 'real world' after graduation, along with building a powerful foundation for future university study.

The Met is an innovative, non-traditional school that uses personalized learning and interest based education to break through to mostly urban youth. The best high school in RI!!!
—Submitted by a parent

i love my school because it allows every student to be themselves and pursue their passions. I love how it prepares you for college and the real world. the met school is my home and i do believe that it is the best school in RI.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has the most inclusive approach to teaching a child how to be a well rounded, critical thinking individual. Teaches kids how to be a leader rather than a follower and to stand up and be heard. I've seen many ugly ducklings shy and scared blossom into beautiful smart go-getting swans. . It does my heart proud to know my son will be graduating from the Met in 2010.
—Submitted by a parent

The MET is a great school full of opportunities that would not otherwise be available.
—Submitted by a parent

The MET is a safe and clean place for students to learn. The Advisors/Teachers are open to learning from the students. If your child is mature and self-willed to learn, the MET is the place for them. There is great opportunity to pursue goals. However, if your child needs structure in learning, reading and writing, try a private school. In essence, all schools in the Providence area need revamping.
—Submitted by a parent

The Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical Center, commonly known as the Met, is an amazing school that puts its students first. The school stands by its philosophy of 'one student at a time,' providing indivualized learning plans that meet student's needs and learning styles. Teachers, called advisors at the Met, stay with the same group of 15 students for 4 years, allowing them to get to know their students well. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests and are required to complete internships throughout their 4 years at the Met. Each student's learning plan revolves around their project at their internship and their work within their advisory. All students must demonstrate proficiency in the 5 learning goals before graduation: Empirical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Personal Qualities and Social Reasoning. All of the Met's graduates have been accepted to college. To learn more visit their website at www.metcenter.org .
—Submitted by a former student